5-Day Vermont Rail Trails Bike Tour

The exploration of Vermont Rail Trails begins with an early pick up in Burlington and a 1.5-hour shuttle across the state to the Connecticut River in St. Johnsbury. The first 18 miles are mostly uphill at a 2 – 3% grade, taking you to the headwaters of the Lamoille River. The remainder of the day and most of the rest of the trip is either downhill or flattish. The majority of the climbing will be over when you reach Joe’s Pond at mile 15, where you take a lunch break at the Three Ponds diner. After a couple of more miles of slight climbing, the remainder of the days ride follows along the Lamoille River through farms and forests into Hardwick. After a break in Hardwick, a 30-minute shuttle takes you to the Outbound Stowe, on a rider overlooking Caspian Lake. Enjoy a welcome happy hour featuring Vermont Craft beers and then dinner at the lodge.
Accommodation: Outbound Stowe, StoweView More
Meals: Lunch, Dinner 
 
Biking: 35.9 miles (57.8 kilometers)
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,890 feet (576 meters) ascent, 1,612 feet (491 meters) descent
Terrain: Railroad grade uphill for 2/3’s of the day 

Today’s ride is along the Lamoille River, downstream and almost entirely downhill. You go through several small, interesting towns, with great lunch and brewery options in Morrisville and Johnson. One of the day’s highlights is the ride through the Fisher covered railroad bridge in Wolcott, early in the day. The riding is again on a gravel rail trail through mostly farm fields and forests. In Johnson, you can also visit the Johnson Wollen Mills store, where wool clothing has been made and sold since 1842. After the ride, you’ll shuttle back to Stowe for an evening on your own in a lively quintessential Woodstock town.
Accommodation: OutBound Stowe, StoweView More
Meals: Breakfast
 
Biking: 31 miles (49.9 kilometers)
Elevation Gain/Loss: 689 feet (210 meters) ascent, 1,089 feet (332 meters) descent
Terrain: Downhill to flat 

Enjoy a tasty breakfast before shuttle back to Cambridge to begin today’s ride. This is the point on the LVRT where the trail leaves the Lamoille River and head across a low ridge to the Missisquoi River. You’ll then follow the trail along the Missisquoi River to the end of the LVRT in Swanton. You’ll have a late lunch in Swanton to celebrate the completion of the LVRT, then head to Montgomery Center. This evening we go to nearby Jay Peak Ski area for a ride on the gondola and dinner. After the ride, you’ll shuttle to Montgomery Center to the Phineas Swann bed and breakfast.
Accommodation: Phineas Swann Inn & Spa, Montgomery CenterView More
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
 
Biking: 32 miles (51.5 kilometers)
Elevation Gain/Loss: 691 feet (211 meters) ascent, 1,045 feet (319 meters) descent
Terrain: Flat to rolling 

Today’s ride starts with either an 8 mile ride on roads and trails or an 8 mile shuttle to Richford, where we find the eastern end of the Missisquoi Rail Trail. You’ll ride the entire length of the trail on today’s 26 mile ride, stopping for a picnic lunch. The riding is through farm fields and forests, with colorful Sumac and Maples along the way You’ll stop for a picnic and then shuttle about 40 minutes to the North Hero Island in Lake Champlain. You’ll stay right on the water and enjoy the end of tour celebration dinner. 
Accommodation: North Hero House, North HeroView More
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 
 
Biking: 36.7 miles (59.1 kilometers)
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,750 feet (533 meters) ascent, 1,842 feet (561 meters) descent
Terrain: Flat to rolling